America's pediatricians have given the green light to kids who want to prepare now for the fall scholastic sports season if they and their coaches first take proper precautions.

According to a new report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, youths who begin rigorous training for the fall sports season are at no greater risk for heat-related injury than adults, as long as proper preparations are followed. The new report amends the academy's previous position, taken in 2000. The new statement says young bodies have the same ability to regulate temperature, handle cardiac stress and tolerate physical exertion in the summer as adult bodies.

You may have noticed the conditional part of the pediatricians' statements -- the "if" and "as long as" parts of the report. They're critical.

The statement says sports trainees are at risk for heat-related injury if they are pushed to excessive exertion in the heat; don't receive enough time to recover; are insufficiently hydrated; and wear clothing or padding that retain excessive heat. Other risk factors are obesity, recent recovery from viral illness, lack of sleep; poor physical fitness and an unfamiliarity with practicing in high heat and humidity, according to a review of the report in Medscape News.

Coaches obviously can prevent much of the potential for injury by providing plenty of hydration breaks, allowing for sufficient time between drills, moving practices to shady areas or holding them at off-peak hours and by educating themselves and being prepared for emergencies at all times.

"Most healthy children and athletes can safely participate in outdoor sports and activities in a wide range of warm to hot weather, but adults sometimes create situations that are potentially dangerous," said Dr. Stephen G. Rice, policy statement coauthor, in a news release. "Heat illness is entirely preventable if coaches and other adults take some precautions to protect the young athletes."

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ABOUT THE WRITERS

TIM DARRAGH has been reporting and editing the news for 30 years, most of it at The Morning Call. For much of that time, he's been doing award-winning investigative and in-depth reporting projects. Tim created the three-year-long Change of Heart project, and wrote a series on the state's fractured food inspection system that led to widespread improvements in food safety. Meantime, that novice jogger you see plodding along the streets around Bethlehem Township? That would be Tim.